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Rep. Chu Releases Statement on Comcast/NBC Universal Merger Approval

Jan 18, 2011

Washington, DC – Rep. Judy Chu, D-El Monte, released the following statement today after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) cleared the way for a joint venture between Comcast Corp. and NBC Universal. As previously announced, the consummation of this deal will set in motion a series of critical investments in the AAPI community.

“With the approval of this joint venture, Comcast and NBCU will now implement the historic set of commitments set forth in the Memorandum of Understanding they negotiated with key stakeholder groups in the Asian American community,” said Rep. Chu. “This Memorandum of Understanding includes unprecedented commitments to enhance diversity in media, programming, procurement, and employment. I look forward to working with Comcast and NBCU to implement this agreement and change the face of American media for the better.”

The MOU was negotiated between Comcast and NBC Universal and the Asian Pacific American Media Coalition, which includes the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC), East West Players (EWP), Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) and Media Action Network for Asian Americans (MANAA).

The 16-page document details investments such as expanding distribution of Asian American owned-and-operated and targeted programming, as well as launching a new video on demand offering called Cinema Asian America as part of its standard digital package. This package will ultimately be available to 18 million subscribers. Comcast will also dedicate at least $1 million in investments over three years to strengthen a pipeline for AAPI themed programming, and has committed to diversifying its procurement and workforce.

Representative Judy Chu is the chair of CAPAC’s Economic Development Task Force and a member of the House Judiciary Committee. She was elected in July 2009 to the U.S. House of Representatives as the Representative of California’s 32nd District, which includes East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley.

Congresswoman Chu’s career in politics spans 24 years. A lifelong educator, Congresswoman Chu taught community college classes in Los Angeles and East Los Angeles for 20 years. She holds a Ph.D. in psychology and a B.A. in mathematics.